Supporting all Victorians through COVID-19

MCM acknowledges the announcements made by the Victorian Government, on the advice of the Victorian Chief Medical Officer, to move to Stage 4 restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus (CVOID-19) may come as distressing news for many and our thoughts are with all Victorians who have been affected.

MCM remains committed to providing essential services to all Victorians who need our vital support at this time.

As one of Victoria’s leading community services organisations, our work continues in the safest and most practical way to support our clients in disability, palliative care, residential care and family services as well as young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

MCM’s COVID-19 response plans are reviewed regularly and adapted following the latest advice from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to reduce the risk of our clients and staff contracting or spreading the virus. 

Some measures we’re already undertaking include:

• The appointment of a COVID-19 Clinical Lead to provide the best possible health response across MCM in the event of suspected COVID-19 cases
• Hand hygiene protocols and strict cleaning measures of shared spaces and surfaces have been in place and continue to be reinforced
• Staff training on the proper use of personal protective equipment and facemasks
• Reducing personal contact in the delivery of some of our services to comply with the latest government health recommendations
• Advising staff to follow all the Victorian government directives and recommendations outside of work and to download the COVIDSafe app
• Supporting staff to get tested if they are experiencing even mild symptoms and; introduced a special leave policy that ensures all employees, including casuals, can access two weeks paid leave for COVID-19 related absence 

MCM will endeavour to keep our community updated on any changes to services and programs following the latest advice from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. 

Service changes and updates across MCM

The Hester Hornbrook Academy

The Hester Hornbrook Academy will move to remote learning from Wednesday 5 August, with our City Campus remaining open to support vulnerable students.

Early Years

From Thursday 6 August, our Early Learning Centres will reduce their capacity to provide education and care for children of permitted workers and vulnerable children only.  

Supported Independent Living Houses

MCM is pleased to report that the three clients at our Supported Independent Living houses in Albion who tested positive for COVID-19 have now all recovered and have been cleared for COVID-19. In addition, staff have begun resuming shifts following their isolation and recovery.

Leading care

MCM is strengthening its infection prevention control measures with the appointment of a full-time COVID-19 Clinical Lead to ensure staff can provide the best possible health response across MCM, especially when positive COVID-19 cases are identified.